Wednesday 4 February 2015

Tropical Weather?

We have been having some tropical type weather recently, but I am not referring to hot balmy weather exactly, more the torrential rain type. This time of year we often get what is referred to here as the "pineapple express", a wet weather system that comes from Hawaii bring a lot of heavy rain. Usually lasts for a day or two and it is wet! Forget trying to stay dry with boots, raincoat and umbrella--not a chance.

It was just such a day that I choose to make my annual visit to the Bloedel Conservatory.

The light was poor and it was a bit chilly inside for the birds, so if you see the red glow of lights that is from the heat lamps.

Here is an assortment of the small birds that I was able to photograph:

African Superb Starling, and it is a beauty!


 
Budgerigars chatting



... and bottoms up!
 

 
Canary, I think 


 
Cordon Bleu Finch, gorgeous bird



 
Gold-breasted Waxbill

 
Gouldian Finches



 
... how many Gouldian Finches fit in a feeder at one time.. apparently quite a few


 
this may be a canary too, but I am not sure

 
this little bird has found a feather on the ground (from the Cockatoo I think), quite a prize, he flies off to hide it


 
Orange cheeked Waxbills share with Gouldian Finches

 
orange checked wax bill

 
Owl Finch, so cute





 
Red Billed Fire Finch
 


 
Red Ear-striped Waxbill

 
Red throated Parrot Finch

 
Red Winged Laughing Thrush


 
Saffron Finch

 
Star Finch Trio


 
and these last two I am not sure...
 

 

 
Which is your favorite? For me it is a tie between the Cordon Bleu Finch and the Owl Finch.
 
If you live in Vancouver (BC) and have not been to the Bloedel Conservatory lately it is worth a visit.
 


Apparently we have another "weather bomb" (in the form of heavy rain) coming, I think I'll stay indoors this time. At least we don't have to shovel it!

I am still busy on non art projects but should have some paintings to share next week,
 
Thanks for stopping by,
 
happy Whimsy Wednesday,
 
Until next week,
 
Gillian.
 




 

12 comments:

  1. Hello Gillian, I loved your collection of birds. Theircolours are spectacular. It must be uplifting to be able to visit such a beautiful place on a winter's day. Looking forward to seeing your paintings. Hope the rain's over soon.

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  2. the 2nd to last is a european goldfinch, i believe. :)

    you brought back a lot of memories. in an earlier life, i kept and raised some finches. had the owl finches, lady gouldians, zebra, society, a pair of the cordon bleus and quite a few others. :)

    loved the 'bottoms up' shot.

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  3. I love all of them Gillian, I personally love the Owl Finch, gorgeous.

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  4. beautiful birds and such gorgeous colors and unusual feather patterns!!

    loved bottoms up!!!!

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  5. Holy moly! These are some of the most colorful birds I've ever seen. The Cordon Bleu Finch is my favorite. I've never seen one of these before. Cute!

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  6. What beautiful colour/markings! I have never been there, but it looks like it would definitely be worth the ferry ride! That owl finch is striking! The tropical birds match up perfectly with the pineapple express!

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  7. Seems like the perfect kind of day to spend time with tropical birds! Hope you are staying dry.

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  8. WOW!! So many wonderful bird shots. There is no way I could pick a favorite. They are all so good.

    Hope you have a happy weekend.

    Hugs~

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  9. Fantastic shots of the birds.

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  10. Incredible colours on those birds Gillian.
    Like Theresa said, the second from last is a European Goldfinch; one of our most colourful birds here in the UK.

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  11. Incredible colours on those birds Gillian.
    Like Theresa said, the second from last is a European Goldfinch; one of our most colourful birds here in the UK.

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